Samsung is back in the lab, it seems, working on fresh S Pen technology that could make its way into future Galaxy Z Fold phones. The move follows a deliberate decision to drop S Pen support from the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7—a trade-off for making the device slimmer and lighter.
Key Takeaways:
- Samsung is developing “thinner and innovative” S Pen tech.
- The S Pen was removed from the Z Fold 7 to prioritize thinness and durability.
- If the new stylus tech proves successful, future Galaxy Z Folds might support it again.
- Samsung could be working on a battery-free, digitizer-less S Pen, akin to Apple’s approach.
According to Kang Min-seok, executive director of Samsung’s MX business division, removing the digitizer layer from the Fold 7—the component essential for S Pen input—was a necessary compromise. The result? The slimmest Galaxy Z Fold to date, measuring just 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded, with a total weight of 215 grams. That sleek form factor wasn’t just a design flex; it was in direct response to user feedback about the bulkiness of previous Fold models.
Historically, the S Pen has been a signature feature for Samsung’s top-tier devices, going back to the Galaxy Note series and more recently the Galaxy S Ultra lineup. The stylus made its way to the Z Fold series with the Fold 3 in 2021, opening the door for on-the-go note-taking, precise sketching, and seamless navigation on the expansive foldable screen. Its absence in the Z Fold 7, especially given the phone’s impressive 8-inch main display and 200MP camera, didn’t go unnoticed. But, it’s not without reason—Samsung beefed up the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) by 50%, improving scratch resistance, which wouldn’t have been possible with the digitizer layer in place.
What’s intriguing is Samsung’s rumored collaboration with HiDeep, a South Korean chipmaker, on a next-gen S Pen solution. This tech could ditch both the digitizer and the internal battery, allowing for a thinner stylus and an even slimmer phone. It’s somewhat reminiscent of how the Apple Pencil works with iPads—relying on nuanced sensing mechanisms built into the device rather than hardware embedded in the screen.
Now, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings plenty to the table—AI smarts, the high-performing Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, and all-around polish—the lack of S Pen might still feel like a gap for some. Especially for those who have grown used to jotting down thoughts on the fly or marking up documents without reaching for a laptop. Across forums and social media, there’s definitely a noticeable yearning among Z Fold users for the stylus to return.
Whether Samsung can pull off this new tech and reintroduce S Pen support without compromising the Z Fold’s sleek build is still up in the air. But if they do, it could answer a major customer request and set the Fold series further apart in an increasingly competitive foldable market.
FAQ:
Q1: Why was the S Pen removed from the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A1: To create a thinner and lighter device, Samsung removed the digitizer layer, which is required for S Pen functionality.
Q2: Will current S Pens work with the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A2: No. Since the digitizer layer is gone, existing S Pens aren’t compatible with the Z Fold 7’s inner display.
Q3: What new technology is Samsung reportedly working on for the S Pen?
A3: Samsung is said to be developing an S Pen that doesn’t need a digitizer or internal battery, possibly taking cues from the Apple Pencil’s technology.
Q4: When can we expect the S Pen to return to Galaxy Z Fold phones?
A4: There’s no official timeline. Samsung says it depends on how well the new tech performs and whether there’s strong consumer demand.
Q5: What are the benefits of using an S Pen with a foldable phone like the Galaxy Z Fold?
A5: The S Pen adds productivity perks—note-taking, document markup, sketching, and precise controls—that are especially useful on a large foldable display.
